Social Work Educators' World Conference to open in Durban


Durban - The ability of social worker to fulfil the needs of vulnerable in developing countries is expected to be discussed at the Schools of Social Work Congress taking place later this month.

Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya will open the five-day congress, themed, "Transcending global-local divides: Challenges for Social Work Education and Practice".

The congress, taking place on July 20-24 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Conventio Centre, will provide opportunities for delegates across the African continent to discuss common issues, particularly the relevance of social work training as well as providing solutions that are responsive to unique demands compared to the rest of the world.

Mr Skweyiya said the congress has come at the right time as the profession of social worker in the country is under severe strain.

"Large numbers of social workers leave the country and the profession to pursue other interests or seek better prospects abroad.

"This is despite the country's' demands for the skills, especially given the social challenges such as drugs and substance abuse, orphans and vulnerable children and services to older persons, children and the youth to mention just a few," said Minister Skweyiya.

In response to this crisis, the minister said that the department has developed a Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Social Workers to market the profession to the youth including boys and girls, while also improving salaries and working conditions to be able to retain existing social workers.

Among the objectives of the congress is to ensure strengthening of the newly launched Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa.

It will also facilitate the achievement of some of the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development.

The event is hosted by the department in partnership with the Association of South African Social Work Educators Institutions through the School of Social Work at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Among the officials to attend the congress include the Deputy Minister of Social Development Dr Jean Swanson-Jacobs, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development Meshack Hadebe, President of the International Association of Schools of Social Work, Dr Abye Tasse, President of International Federation of Social Workers, David Jones and the Executive Director of the International Council on Social Welfare, Denys Correll

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
By Gabi Khumalo, Bua News
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page last updated on 15.07.2008